What the unions are considering

Public service union leaders say the Croke Park II proposals, which emerged yesterday, were the best that could be achieved by negotiation.

Here is a list of is what trade unions will today begin to consider in detail:

PREMIUM PAYMENTS — What the Government had sought: Elimination of Saturday and twilight payments and a reduction in Sunday payments from double time to time and a half.

What the LRC proposes: The elimination of twilight payments and a reduction in the Sunday rate from double time to time and a quarter. Saturday payments remain.

WORKING HOURS — What the Government wanted: Five hours extra per worker per week.

What the LRC proposes: Those currently working fewer than 35 hours will in future work a minimum of 37 hours. Those working between 35 and under 39 hours will in future work 39 hours.

INCREMENTS — What the Government wanted: A total freeze on all increments for the duration of the deal and a “step back” for every public servant on the maximum of their scale.

What the LRC proposes: A three-year increment freeze for those earning over €65,000, two three-month freezes for those earning between €35,000 and €65,000, and a single three-month freeze for those earning under €35,000. Balancing measures for those already at the maximum of their scales have also been agreed, either a 6-day reduction in annual leave over the agreement, or a cash deduction from salary of an equivalent amount or the value of half of the last increment, whichever is the lesser.

CUTS FOR HIGHER PAID — What the Government wanted: Pay cuts for those earning €65,000 or more. What the LRC proposes: The pay of those earning over €65,000 will be cut progressively as follows:

* 5.5% on the first €80,000 of salary and allowances;

* 8% between €80,000 and €150,000;

* 9% between €150,000 and €185,000;

* 10% above €185,000.

OVERTIME — What the Government wanted: Overtime paid at a flat rate. What the LRC proposes: Time and a half at the first point of the scale for those on less than €35,000. Time and a quarter at the individual’s scale point for those over €35,000. Those on 39 hours will provide one unpaid hour’s overtime.

In the education sector, supervision and substitution payments, valued at €125m per year, will be scrapped. In exchange, the Government is prepared to do away with one of the lower increments in the sector meaning new entrants to the profession will see their pay rise more rapidly. A series of long-term workplace reforms have also been agreed including:

* Revisions to flexitime arrangements and work sharing patterns;

* Revisions to redeployment terms;

* Strengthened performance management arrangements;

* Proposals in the area of grade restructuring.